I know they say 'Terrible Twos'.....

[DeMaz]

But I feel like I'm losing the plot a bit!

My DD is 2.5 years and she has become slightly out of control. If she doesn't get her own way she'll throw things (inclu my iPad), she'll throw herself on the floor and scream and just generally lash out.
I am patient with her but it's proving to be incredibly tiresome and head-banging.
She also still has the dummy and wants it ALL the time and because I know what will happen if she doesn't get it, i reluctunctly give it to her for fear of the floor hugging and tantrums.

Hubby is at work all day until quite late and I am completely on my own. My mother died when I was pregnant with her. I have asked for support from my local SureStart but once again I am sat here in years.

I don't expect miracles but Is her behaviour normal ?

Thanks for letting me get that out there x x

I wouldn't say it's abnormal but it doesn't mean there aren't ways to make it easier for you and for her.

Try to see if there are triggers for her tantrums. Does it happen when she is hungry and or tired? Is there a type of reaction you anticipate (for example, if you say 'no' will she just expode?)

And why on earth would you let your two year old play with an ipad?

Try to have a bit of predictability in your day - eat at the same time every day, have snacks at the same time, and try to fill in her days with as much outdoor playtime as possible and play with her. If you feel that there's a tantrum coming try to distract her as soon as possible, take her attention away from it. Try not to say 'no' too much, use another word or just ignore her demands, or just say in a minute or 'later' instead of No.

As for the dummy, make a special bed for it with a cardboard box next to her bed - make it really nice with lovely decorations, and in the morning the dummy goes to bed in its own bed and stays there all day until bedtime again. Basically the hard work is starting and you need to have a plan.

Thanks blueberry.

There are triggers and it's usually because I don't let her get her own way. Tantrums and screaming will then follow, I give in and then she gets her way. It's usually to do with her dummy. I think I do have to ignore her more.

I do play with her and she usually has my full attention.

I love the dummy idea and will definitely give that a shot.

Also, the iPad she found in my bedroom after she ran in there with one of her tantrums and decided to throw it. Nice.

Thanks for your help x x

Yes it's pretty normal but it obviously differs from child to child.
My DS (2) is a challenging Toddler but I stay calm (mostly) and consistent and I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
There are some things that are a major no no for me and if he does them he certainly knows all about it as my tone of voice completely changes and I let him know I am shocked.
I also try to emotionally detach from the whinging and tantruming.

Keep your chin up and your ipad on a high shelf

Ladies, thanks so much for your input on this and apologies in the delay getting back to this thread. I'm pregnant at the moment with mush as a brain! This is what's probably making things a little harder for me.

Jinny, I also use my tone of voice but feel like I'm using it all the time lately. I think she has become immune to it!

Zoogeek, are you sure we don't have the same child? You have just described my DD exactly! I'm really glad I'm not the only one going through a bit of a hard time with a toddler. Thanks so much for the blog. Will check it out!

Thanks girls

Is she getting enough sleep? 14 hours per 24 hour period? (Ideally 1.5 - 2 hours during the day, the rest at night)?

I haven't experienced hard toddlers. But I have experienced very tired toddlers and very hungry ones.